Aussie duo set to lead FIA Formula 3™ charge at Albert Park

There will be two Australians racing in Melbourne for the FIA Formula 3™ opener, following a late call-up for Patrick Heuzenroeder. Just as he did during pre-season testing, Heuzenroeder will fill in for the injured Ernesto Rivera at Campos Racing.

The opportunity creates a dream scenario for the 20-year-old Sydneysider, who now gets the chance to make his category debut on home soil at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026.

“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity to make my debut in F3 at my home Grand Prix,” said Heuzenroeder. “It will be a steep learning curve, but I am looking forward to it and can’t wait to get on track".

Heuzenroeder joins fellow Australian James Wharton, marking the first time since 2024 that multiple locals have competed in the F3™ field at Albert Park. Wharton, a Sprint Race winner, will represent the highly decorated Prema squad.

The call-up follows an impressive testing performance in Barcelona, where Heuzenroeder consistently featured near the top of the timing charts:

• Day 2: Finished the session with an impressive P2.
• Day 3: Secured P6 in the morning session, finishing just +0.401s off the leading pace.
• Overall: Ended the final day P6 overall, showing rapid progress in his first outing with the machinery.

“Really pleased with my pace for my first time outing in this car and with the progress made over the test to finish P6 overall on day 3,” Heuzenroeder noted following the sessions.

Already a part of the Campos stable for his 2026 Eurocup-3 campaign, Heuzenroeder arrives in the paddock following a standout GB3 season where he finished as the series runner-up.

FIA Formula 3® will be a key feature of the on-track schedule at next weekend's FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026, alongside Formula 2®, Supercars, and Porsche Carrera Cup.